Feature

the new well

The new well is at the center of a worldwide wellness revolution of a celebration of healthy living, welcoming women of all ages, wellness and weight loss goals. A place where all can come together and enjoy a very special way of living. A lifestyle of wellness.

As the new well continues to strengthen its brand and identity within the weight loss and wellness industry, environmental stewardship is a top priority. the new well has created a new type of business model, allowing franchisees and developers to truly live their commitment to people, profit, and the planet while meeting the demand for healthy living.

Sustainability Matters provides the new well with an opportunity to implement viably sustainable building materials into build outs, cost effectively creating a women’s wellness center, truly promoting health and wellness in a non-toxic, sustainable environment, and protecting our natural resources in an efficient manner. the new well building materials package includes materials which are produced domestically and contain recycled content, non- toxic in their fabrication and/or application, and provides energy and water efficiency.

"The dedicated team brings form and clarity to our vision. We have found Sustainability Matters to be an extraordinary partner in our commitment to people, planet and profit." -Scott Draper, President and Founder, The New Well

Green Building Movement Penetrating Health and Wellness Industry

Written by Kristen Victor, LEED AP

Around the world there is growing interest in changing the way we take care of ourselves – not just our bodies, but also our minds, spirit, society, and planet. There is a growing impetus for a paradigm shift, a switch from mere reactivity – trying to treat or fix our problems – to a proactive and holistic approach to addressing and preventing the root causes of our personal and societal ills. This is at the core of the wellness movement.

The wellness movement is a $3 trillion global business, with workplace wellness spending $30 billion and nutrition/weight loss support nearing $250 billion last year. It is predicted to be one of the fastest growing industries over the next ten years.

The health industry has shifted as well, creating industry standards for evaluating the sustainability of medical products, lead by the Kaiser Permanente Sustainability Scorecard and Practice GreenHealth

At Sustainability Matters, Inc we have the opportunity to make a difference in both the health and wellness industries. Our independent firm collects unbiased researched analysis on innovative technologies and materials, offering consultation to health and wellness clients seeking access to accurate information and products to support their specific needs.

Bringing Daylighting Back into Schools and Promoting Health and Wellness

In many districts, such as in Spokane, Washington, the building process starts with community input on the priorities for building values. Fresh air and daylight rise consistently to the top of the list.

In California, schools must be certified as meeting the Collaborative for High-Performance Schools (CHPS) criteria (see www.chps.net). In Washington, the state has invested in an elective set of high-performance criteria titled the Washington Sustainable Schools Protocol.

With ongoing epidemiological research in human performance as related to building design, these research efforts have been the major stimulus to the setting of new “high-performance” building and school design standards. This advanced work in building performance can be seen in the integrated high-performance designs of completed schools designed by Heinz Rudolf, a partner at BOORA Architects of Portland, completed for standard construction budgets for Oregon public elementary and middle schools.

The high-performance classrooms of the twenty-first century are illuminated with diffuse and well-balanced daylight and need no electric light for more than half of the school year. Many of these schools use their daylighting windows for natural ventilation, thus eliminating the requirement for refrigerated air conditioning. School building design has arrived at a moment in time where less does equal more. Less electricity used for lighting and air conditioning promotes less absenteeism for healthier students and provides environments suitable for higher performance as epidemiologic research in human performance has proven.

In this issue

In short

Sustainability Matters, Inc.

Sustainability Mattersis a trusted source for sustainable building materials, providing cost effective access to vetted products and practices, promoting transparency and knowledge within the building industry. By developing long term collaborative relationships with industry leaders via consulting, design, and procurement, we bring our clients innovative sustainable information, materials, and systems.

The client featured in this case study is the new well
, a nationwide women’s wellness franchise, with plans to open 200 centers over the next nine to ten years. The business is dedicated to providing women with a variety of holistic health resources, including weight loss services, wellness counseling, an individualized nutrition program, and beauty/relaxation treatments. A sustainable interior materials package was important to the client as a member of the wellness industry from an environmental and social perspective, and key in developing a consistent brand and marketing message. The client previously attempted to implement a sustainable materials package, but lack of guidance and endorsement of sustainable specifications prevented the success of eco-conscious franchise build outs.

Please click HERE to read about the Sustainability Matters new well Case Study.

Check out the new Matter! Health and wellness - two of modern day society's most important and popular topics are also at the forefront of technological innovation.

In the latest issue of Matter, they investigate the most recent advancements in the industry, from mood improving lamps to wearable healthcare monitoring systems, and pharmaceutical reminders sent to your cell phone. Click HERE for more information!

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